COMMENDATION & GRATITUDE to Gov. Scott Walker!

Gov. Scott Walker draws the biggest crowd of reporters following a news conference on the opening day of the National Governors Association meeting in Milwaukee on Aug. 2.

I was very appreciative of Daniel Bice's column, “No Quarter” which reports on the OUTstanding quick action by Governor Scott Walker to fire an official in his administration for dramatically inappropriate public statement! I have expressed DISagreement with Scott Walker on numerous statements and behaviors. I DISagree with Scott Walker on most, if not all, of his public policy stances and decisions. Nevertheless, it is VERY IMPORTANT to support Scott Walker and other politicians when they take LAUDABLE action!

Daniel Bice reports, “In a stunning online rant, a top Gov. Scott Walker official likened illegal immigrants to Satan during a Facebook debate over a bumper sticker declaring open season on foreigners living in the United States without documentation.

"'You may see Jesus when you look at them,' Steven Krieser, assistant deputy secretary at the state Department of Transportation, wrote Tuesday regarding illegal immigrants. 'I see Satan.'”

I do see JESUS when I look at the human persons who cross US borders whether legally or illegally. I choose to identify myself as a “Christian.” I believe that God created all humankind of one life to live on earth. I believe that God so loved the world – yes, the whole wide world – that he gave his only son. I dare to HOPE that Krieser does NOT identify himself as a “Christian.” What is YOUR perspective on so-called, “illegal immigrants”?

Bice reports, “Krieser wrote that a 'stream of wretched criminals' is crossing the border without obstruction. These individuals, he said, 'completely ruined' entire states and industries, breeding 'the animus that many American citizens feel toward them.'”

Bice continues with his report of the OUTstanding action by Governor Walker, “Walker's response was swift and dramatic.

“Less than two hours after his office was informed of the rant, Walker fired Krieser. He had been paid $96,628 a year as the No. 3 official at DOT.

"'These comments are repugnant, completely unacceptable, and have no place in Governor Walker's administration,' said Tom Evenson, spokesman for Walker. 'Governor Walker condemns his views, and they do not represent the governor or his administration in any way.'”

THANK YOU GOVERNOR WALKER for your prompt action with clear articulation by your spokesman that the views articulate by Krieser are condemned by Walker and in no way represent that governor or his administration in any way! KUDOS!

I urge you to use this link to read the whole No Quarter column published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel yesterday, August 8 by Daniel Bice, “DOT official likens illegal immigrants to Satan, then quickly fired.” You will gain information and perspective with citations of several persons, including State Rep. Zepnick and reference to US House Rep. Ryan.

Bice follows-up reporting, “Reached Thursday before his firing, Krieser explained that he had taken down his Facebook post. He emphasized that he had not written the item or posted it with a state computer or on state time.

“As for likening illegal immigrants to Satan, Krieser reluctantly apologized, explaining that he had used 'a poor choice of words.' He eventually said he was sorry for what he said.

"'If I had it to do over, I would not have put it up,' Krieser said. 'I certainly didn't mean any offense.'” Krieser did NOT MEAN OFFENSE?!?! Give me a break! I am NOT able to comprehend how calling anyone SATAN would NOT be offensive! Are YOU? Your comment?!

Another dimension for perspective reported by Bice in this column is, “This isn't the first time that Krieser has found himself in hot water.

“In 2011, he sent a memo to Division of Motor Vehicles employees saying they should not voluntarily tell state residents that they can obtain a voter identification card for free.

“Krieser distributed the memo after lawmakers passed a law requiring state residents to present identification before they can vote.”

GRATEFUL for the active investigative reporting which DANIEL BICE provide through his Milwaukee Journal Sentinel column, “No Quarter.” Click here to check on other “NO QUARTER” columns and learn more about Bice's long-time service with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and contact information.

Here we go…

John W. Eyster lives in the Edgerton area. He is an adjunct professor assigned with the online/distance education faculty of Viterbo University, LaCrosse. He continues his personal mission supporting democracy/civics education in Wisconsin K-12 schools through Project Citizen, We the People, Discovering Democracy (Milton HS). John is a community blogger and is not a part of The Gazette staff or management.